Bury Town take another huge win as they look to finish 2nd and gain home advantage throughout the playoffs.
A huge crowd turned out to see if Bury Town could go one step closer to that all important 2nd place finish come the end of the season. Bury made the worst possible start when they gave away a penalty after just five minutes. Ollie Hughes went on a long run forward and got into the Bury box before he was sent to ground and the Referee did not hesitate and pointed to the spot. Jarid Robson stepped up and scored from the spot kick. Bury were unfazed and started to go on the offensive. On 12 minutes Mikey Davis and Ethan Mayhew linked up well to set Ryan Jolland on his way into the box and his shot to the near post was saved well by Josh Pope. Camal Ramadan and Ethan Mayhew both saw shots from inside the box blocked before Bury pulled level on 19 minutes, a corner played to the far post was met by the head of Taylor Parr who headed back across goal and inside the post. Josh Pope made an impressive double save on 28 minutes, first Mikey Davis shot from distance saw Pope make a superb save to keep the ball out, then the loose ball fell to Cemal Ramadan and Pope recovered quickly to make another good save. On 36 minutes Cemal Ramadan sent a curling cross into the box and Ethan Mayhew’s headed effort was saved by Pope. The Mildenhall ‘keeper was needed again on 39 minutes when Ollie Canfer sent a great strike to the far top corner and Pope made another excellent save.
Half Time: Bury Town 1 Mildenhall Town 1
Second half Bury continued to press forward in search of another goal. On 56 minutes a swift attack from Bury saw Ollie Canfer get in at the near post and try to tuck the ball low between ‘keeper and the post but Pope got down quick to collect. Mildenhall had a chance to go back in front on 60 minutes when Ryan Swift rifled a shot from outside the box and Charlie Beckwith made a great save. Beckwith made another good save on 62 minutes this time from a header from Swift. A counterattack from Mildenhall on 67 minutes almost paid off when Johnny Herd broke down the wing and played a good pass into the center for Ben Nolan who hit the bar with a solid strike. The game was then paused due to an injury to the referee. Once the game restarted Bury got back to work and on 70 minutes got the goal they urgently needed. Josh Pope came out to claim the ball outside his area but failed and Cemal Ramadan showed a cool head as he chipped the ball over Pope’s head and into the empty net. Mildenhall had their chances throughout the game and another one came on 84 minutes when a cross into the box gave Luke Butcher as free header and Charlie Beckwith made a superb save. At the final whistle Bury took the win and secured at least a 3rd place finish to claim a home tie in the semi-final on Tuesday evening. Next, in their final league game of the season Bury take on Wroxham away on Saturday in another huge game.
Elsewhere. Congratulation to Brentwood Town on winning the League after their 4-0 victory over Basildon. With Brightlingsea Regent drawing with Waltham Abbey and Tilbury getting a draw at Grays Athletic Brightlingsea claimed the last playoff place.
Full Time: Bury Town 2 Mildenhall Town 1
Bury Town Star Man: Taylor Parr
Match Rating: 4
Attendance: 1042